One of Bellefonte’s favorite substitutes, Mr. Kaelan Yakich, has built quite a reputation for himself among BAHS students by always letting his students know he is there for them and being an overall “chill” guy.
When Mr. Yak substitutes, the classroom is comfortable, the students are provided with the help that they need, and they understand they are cared for. Mr. Yak knows how hard life and school can be, so he makes sure to let everyone know that.
“My name is Mr. Yakich, you can also call me Mr. Yak. Something I tell everyone I sub for, I’m here for you guys, I know life can be tough. If there is anything school-related, not school-related, I can help you with, or you just need someone to talk to, I’m here for you, and I care about you, ” Mr. Yak says at the beginning of all of his classes.
Mr. Yak has dealt with a lot of hard times during school, and just life in general growing up. When he was in middle school he got sick for a while. He amassed over 100 days of absences and got held back due to that. He was harassed by peers and teachers, telling him that he was faking his illness. He understands that many students go through similar things, maybe even worse, so he makes sure that he can help support them through their journey.
“My teaching philosophy is that teachers have a unique opportunity to not only teach students important things to know for their future but also to be a part of the student’s support system,” Mr. Yak said.
He has known for a long time that his calling in life is to help others and make a difference in the world. He was unsure of how he was going to do that, so being fresh out of college he got advice from others.
His friends told him he was a great teacher when he would teach them things, so he was considering being a teacher of some sort. Other teachers that he talked to, veered him away from becoming a teacher. He decided he would become a substitute teacher and see if and how he handled a class.
While his first day had him intimidated and uncertain of his teaching abilities long-term, he soon learned how much he enjoyed teaching.
“My favorite thing about teaching is the interactions I get to have with the students. It means a lot to me when students yell out my name from down the hallways, or they say I made their day by being one of their teachers for that period,” Mr. Yak said.
The students at Bellefonte undeniably love Mr. Yak. There is mutual respect between them, Mr. Yak treats the students as fellow adults who can make their own decisions, while still guiding them in the right direction. There is no doubt that Mr. Yak would be an incredible teacher for his own students.
“I definitely plan on teaching as my career! I will be teaching health and PE. I cannot complain about getting paid for exercising and playing sports with students in PE,” Mr. Yak said.
He also wants to teach other aspects of health that may not be talked about enough. He hopes to bring more awareness to mental health, and ways to take care of your mental health to the curriculum.
As much as Mr. Yak wants a career in health and physical education, he isn’t quite ready to leave his students yet. Considering Bellefonte will not need a gym or health teacher anytime soon, he will not be able to take a job here. He loves the students as much as they love him and is not prepared to leave.
“I was not ready to say goodbye to the students yet. I do not think I will ever be ready to leave my students at Bellefonte,” he said.
Bellefonte would be upset to lose one of their favorite subs but they wholeheartedly want the best for him. For now, the Raiders will enjoy the time they have with him in class and hope Bellefonte can provide him with a permanent position one day.
